~ Finding authenticity in ordinary life

Chalking the door —An Epiphany blessing

Happy Epiphany feast day in the U.S.! On Friday I posted some thoughts about this beautiful feast.

I wanted to also mention that another Epiphany tradition is the home blessing for the new year. I encourage you to do it on your homes! Here’s a blessing that can be used:

ONE: The Lord be with you;

ALL: And with your spirit.

ONE: Peace be to this house!

ALL: And to all who live here!

ONE: Let us pray.

O God, you once used a star to show to all the world that Jesus is your Son. May the light of that star that once guided wise men to his birth, now guide us to recognize him in the epiphanies of the daily experiences of our lives. As we go about our work, our study, our play, keep us in its light and in your love. May all who enter here find your gracious hospitality, for Christ has come to dwell in this house and in these hearts.

ALL: May Christ bless our home! Amen.

In some parishes, blessed chalk is handed out so that each family can “chalk the door.” You simply take the blessed chalk, or any chalk (if none was passed out,) and you write the following on the inside of your door frames in the home:

2 0 + C + M + B + 1 2

C for Caspar, M for Melchior and B for Balthasar (the traditional names of the 3 Magi) and the 20 and 12 for the new year. The crosses are for the protection of Christ.

C M B are also abbreviations for the Latin words

Christus Mansionem Benedicat

that is, “May Christ bless this house.”

All our doors inside have white trim, so we did the inside of our entrance doors.